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Where is Arequipa?
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Arequipa is located in the point where the central Andean area and the Andean south center are divided. The valleys to the south of the Sihuas Rivers are incorporated into this area. This division was more notorious in the Wari Age, which embraces the valleys in the north up to Sihuas.
The most brilliant era is identified with the Churajon culture, which conducted big agricultural and irrigation projects. The Chuquibamba culture was developed at the same time as the Churajons. The settlements of this culture are generally identified with the Collaguas and are especially important in the Colca Valley.
The Incas descended to the Yunga region through Arequipa looking for new conquests. Lead by Manuel de Carbajal, the Spaniard conquistadors founded the city of Arequipa in the foothills of the Misti Volcano. In the Republican Age, important battles were waged in this department like the ones performed by Ramon Castilla, Mariano Prado, Nicolas de Pierola, and Sánchez Cerro among others.
Arequipa has become the economic center for the south of Peru. It is one of the most important milk producers in the country.
Arequipa, the “White City,” is a modern city that offers everything necessary for an unforgettable trip. Its districts and towns show great contrast between Spanish heritage and Indian influence. The city boasts mysterious and majestic monuments, unique in the world, and an exceptional geography, with wonderful green landscapes, luminous valleys and impressive geological areas. The artistic and cultural traditions of the settlers of the different districts in Arequipa, enable one to enjoy beautiful architecture, exciting excursions and delicious gastronomy.
On the coast, the desert dunes like the ones located in the Majes, Sihuas and La Joya are particularly beautiful.
The main rivers in this department are the Ocoña, Yauca, Camana and Quilca.
The capital of the department is called Arequipa or "the White City", due to the many structures built using the white sillar stone. Arequipa is a popular tourist destination due to its diverse architecture such as: temples, convents, monasteries and the very famous Santa Catalina Convent, which dates back to 1580.
The countryside provides beautiful landscapes and the surrounding towns off Cayma, Carmen Alto, Yanahuara and Characato are charming. The impressive and gorgeous volcanic cone of the Misti Mountain forms the backdrop of the area.
Cayma Located three kilometers from downtown and past Yanahuara, this district, on the right shore of the Chili river, is called "The Balcony of Arequipa," since from his heights one can see the entire city. Its main plaza has a church whose interior houses the image of the Virgin of the Candlemas, donated by King Carlos V.